Whitbourne, Pleasantvile sexual abuse class action certified
“Many children were subjected to unspeakable cruelty in institutions that were supposed to protect and educate them.” Lynn Moore
A class action lawsuit for former residents of Newfoundland training schools who claim they were sexually abused has been certified by the Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court.
The application for certification was filed by lawyers with Morris Martin Moore on behalf of three representative plaintiffs (Jane Doe #7, John Doe #9, and John Doe #11) who claim they were all abused as children or youths in the girls’ and boys’ homes in Pleasantville, Whitbourne and Waterford Bridge Road, according to a news release from the law firm.
The provincial government consented to the application for certification.
Certification means the case will proceed as a class action, and the decision certifying the class action approves the litigation plan put forward by the lawyers at Morris Martin Moore.
The class action alleges sexual abuses were committed by employees, priests and sometimes older children.
Sexual abuse, by its definition, can range from molestation, rape, beatings while naked and detention while naked.
“We are very pleased that this case was certified as a class action,” lawyer Lynn Moore stated in the release.
“Many children were subjected to unspeakable cruelty in institutions that were supposed to protect and educate them. While we can never undo the harm or take away the pain, we are one step closer to getting compensation for these people.”
The next step in the litigation is to issue a notice for any others who may have been at the centres and claim abuse. Once the notice period is up, the case will move on to either trial or settlement.